Special needs teacher aides required to have little training, education, investigation found

ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS
Christi Saunders (left), a paraprofessional ESE aide at the Wabasso School, listens as student Spenser Cushman, 21, shares his thoughts about the Zumba dance planned for the school’s Harvest Dance scheduled later in the day at Wabasso School in November. “It’s the best job ever,” Saunders said. “To help the kids reach their goals is an amazing accomplishment. At the end of the day to know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life, it makes me happy.”

It’s a tough job with low pay, but ESE teacher assistants say they love it. Find out what keeps them motivated.

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